مــوضــوع مـتــجــدد ، IELTS Writing Test , Task 2

Give reasons for your answer You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer
(Time Taken: Approx. 30 minutes)

In the world today, many people are suffering from terrible life-threatening diseases. Unfortunately adequate health care is often lacking - especially for those who are poor. It is very disappointing that individuals who are sick and in need of advanced medical treatments are not able to be treated due to their level of income.
It is clear that advanced medical treatments are expensive and someone must pay for them. Where does the money come from, who will pay the medical bills? Will the recipient of the health care fully appreciate the value of what they have been given? Will the sacrifice of the rich individual or country that has paid for their life-changing medical treatments be fully appreciated? These are difficult questions to fully answer but nothing of worth can be free, someone has to pay.
The overarching point however, must be the sanctity of human life. Surely a human life is worth more than a sum of money. Human life is precious and we must do all we can to save it. It is simply not good enough to say to an individual, “I could save your life but since you can not afford to pay me, you are going to die”. Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality in both the developed and developing world. Many people are dying because they cannot afford the advanced medical treatments needed to prolong their lives. Money should not determine who has the opportunity to live.
I believe that all people should have the right to access the best medicine available. However, those given access should be educated to appreciate the value of what they have been given, the value of the gift. How wealthy a person is should not determine if an individual lives or dies.
(294 words)

Why this answer would score well
PARAGRAPH 1:
In the world today, many people are suffering from terrible life-threatening diseases. Unfortunately adequate health care is often lacking - especially for those who are poor. It is very disappointing that individuals who are sick and in need of advanced medical treatments are not able to be treated due to their level of income.

Notes:
The first paragraph is effective because it:
1. introduces the subject/topic
2. clearly demonstrates the writer’s point of view (thesis statement)
3. presents a general fact about the subject (life-threatening diseases)
4. uses the key words from the question without repeating them verbatim
5. demonstrates a good command of grammar, spelling and punctuation.
6. is long enough (around 50 words)

PARAGRAPH 2:
It is clear that advanced medical treatments are expensive and someone must pay for them. Where does the money come from, who will pay the medical bills? Will the recipient of the health care fully appreciate the value of what they have been given? Will the sacrifice of the rich individual or country that has paid for their life-changing medical treatments be fully appreciated? These are difficult questions to fully answer but nothing of worth can be free, someone has to pay.

Notes:
The second paragraph is effective because it:
1. introduces an opposing point (as the question asks us to do)
2. is long enough (contains around 80 words)
3. is not too emphatic, but believable

PARAGRAPH 3:
The overarching point however, must be the sanctity of human life. Surely a human life is worth more than a sum of money. Human life is precious and we must do all we can to save it. It is simply not good enough to say to an individual, “I could save your life but since you can not afford to pay me, you are going to die”. Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality in both the developed and developing world. Many people are dying because they cannot afford the advanced medical treatments needed to prolong their lives. Money should not determine who has the opportunity to live.

Notes:
The third paragraph is effective because it:
1. introduces several good contrasting points/arguments (as the question asks the writer to do)
2. supports the main points made with clear supporting points/examples
3. is long enough; the writer’s opinion should be supported by a longer, more convincing paragraph
4. is more emphatic and direct – the examiner can clearly understand the writer’s position
5. utilises good vocabulary, grammar and punctuation

PARAGRAPH 4:
I believe that all people should have the right to access the best medicine available. However, those given access should be educated to appreciate the value of what they have been given, the value of the gift. How wealthy a person is should not determine if an individual lives or dies.

Notes:
The final paragraph is effective because it:
1. re-emphasises the writer’s position (as per the question)
2. the language used gives a sense of ‘finality’ to the piece
3. utilises good vocabulary, grammar and punctuation

WRITING TASK 2
________________________________________
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Governments around the world are spending billions in support of space programs. This money would be better spent on research into improvements in human health.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.You should write at least 250 words


Sample Answer
(Time taken: 30 minutes)

It is a fact that some governments are spending billions of dollars on space research each year. Recently, the USA announced that more money would be spent on their space programs. Meanwhile diseases like AIDS and cancer are continuing to claim the lives of more and more people.
Certainly, an awareness of what is occurring out beyond our earth is an interesting endeavour for those working in the field of science. Space exploration is the cause of many thousands of jobs around the world. Additionally, an awareness of the movements of planets and meteorites and the possibility that they may fall to earth helps us to be prepared if such a thing should happen.
It must be pointed out that the probability of a meteorite crashing to earth and killing thousands of people is very low. What will continue however, are the deaths of thousands and thousands of people caused by rampant diseases and illnesses throughout our planet. Many of these diseases are multiplied due to a lack of knowledge about them - ignorance is costly. Time and money spent on learning more effective ways to control or even eliminate them has the potential to help immeasurably the lives of people who are suffering and in pain. Consider the relief of a man in Africa suffering from disease once thought to be incurable but, due to research, a solution to his problem is found. Would the discovery of a new moon on Jupiter help this man? I think not.
The alleviation of human suffering through health research is more important than space programs and research. The basic value of human life makes it clear that improving human health is a wiser use of government money.(284 words)


Why this answer would score well
• good structure to the essay
- both sides of the issue are clearly stated
- each idea flows logically
• each paragraph has a specific focus
• approximately 280 words
• the vocabulary is of an academic standard
• the conclusion has a solid argument for why money should be spent on humans rather than space research.


Analysing Paragraph 1:
It is a fact that governments are spending billions of dollars on space research each year. Recently, the USA announced that more money would be spent on their space programs. Meanwhile diseases like AIDS and cancer are continuing to claim the lives of more and more people.
Notes:
• The paragraph is brief (3 sentences) but clearly identifies the topic and establishes the sides of the argument.
• There is a comment regarding the relevancy of the topic today (USA recently announced more money to be spent on space programs).
• Without restating it, the opening deals with the key elements of the question - governments are spending billions on space programs, (instead of) researching into improvements in human health.
Analysing Paragraph 2:
Certainly, an awareness of what is occurring out beyond our earth is an interesting endeavour for those working in the field of science. Space exploration is the cause of many thousands of jobs around the world. Additionally, an awareness of the movements of planets and meteorites and the possibility that they may fall to earth helps us to be prepared if such a thing should happen.
Notes:
• Through use of appropriate English, this paragraph begins by reminding the reader of the relevance of space travel.
• Next three examples are given which help to strengthen the argument for space research:
1. it is an interesting study,
2. it creates many jobs and
3. it could aid in the protection from falling meteorites.
• Good use of linking structures (certainly, additionally) and academic vocabulary (an interesting endeavour, space exploration, such a thing).


Analysing Paragraph 3:
It must be pointed out that the probability of a meteorite crashing to earth and killing thousands of people is very low. What will continue however, are the deaths of thousands and thousands of people caused by rampant diseases and illnesses throughout our planet. Many of these diseases are multiplied due to a lack of knowledge about them - ignorance is costly. Time and money spent on learning more effective ways to control or even eliminate them has the potential to help immeasurably the lives of people who are suffering and in pain. Consider the relief of a man in Africa suffering from disease once thought to be incurable but, due to research, a solution to his problem is found. Would the discovery of a new moon on Jupiter help this man? I think not.
Notes:
• The next paragraph flows well from the previous one and presents good ideas which are opposite to the previous position taken.
• Words such as probability...is low, meteorite, rampant, ignorance is costly, immeasurably are good academic, descriptive words.
• A rhetorical question about a new moon on Jupiter compels the reader to get involved in the discussion.
• the ideas are succinct and definitely provide clear examples in contrast to the previous paragraph
Analysing Paragraph 4:
The alleviation of human suffering through health research is more important than space programs and research. The basic value of human life makes it clear that improving human health is a wiser use of government money.
Notes:
• The writer's position is made very clearly in the last paragraph.
• The use of the word alleviation is a good academic word.
• Note: demonstrate to the examiner your command of the English language through use of appropriate words!
• The most convincing argument (the supremacy of human life) is restated here and supports well the 3rd paragraph (arguments for).


How I developed this answer
(Time Taken: 8-10 minutes)
Introduction
I read the question several times and identified the key words.
• I underlined the following key words in the question: governments, spending billions, supporting space programs, better spent, research, human health.
• I recalled how this is a very controversial topic in the world today.
• I thought about what I knew concerning this topic. [NB: It can help to strengthen your answers if you are up-to-date on major world trends/events - so regularly read the news!]. Yes, I heard recently that America committed more money to space exploration.
I would write the following summary notes on the test booklet:
• Fact: Billions of $$ are being spent on space research
• USA announced recently more money to be spent
• human health is declining (AIDS, Cancer)

Arguments For
• I decided initially that space exploration is very interesting. We are curious about what is out beyond our planet. This interest has created a 'space industry' which, in turn, has led to many jobs. I also thought of how knowledge of space surrounding earth has the possibility of protecting humankind from danger in the form of falling space rocks or larger meteorites.
• I did not spend a lot of time on this because I am arguing against spending billions on space research however, this part of your answer is important in presenting a 'balanced, educated argument'.
• Note: even though I wrote 'etc' in the notes, DO NOT use 'etc' in your essay. Instead, write out exactly what you mean]
I would write the following summary notes on the test booklet:
• It is interesting to know about what is happening in space
• lots of jobs created
• may protect us from falling meteorites, etc


Arguments Against
• When I first read the question, the idea that came to mind is that billions of dollars seems too much money to be spending on space research [Tip: in order to save time, be sure to argue according to ideas that come most naturally and quickly to your mind]. I think the money would be better spent on continuing studies into improving human health. More money might attract better education in places like Africa where ignorance plays a big part in the illnesses that are extant there.
• As mentioned, because I am arguing against billions being spent, I combined this category with the 'My Position' category so that I would have a total of four (4) paragraphs. [Tip: It is a good idea to combine the two categories into one paragraph].
• I decided that the use of a question at the end of the paragraph made the argument more compelling. I felt that in this case, the question forced the reader to get more involved in the issue and to form an opinion - to either agree with me or not.
I would write the following summary notes on the test booklet:
• diseases are rampant
• ignorance prolongs illness
• MANY could be helped - Africa

Statement of Position
As mentioned, I decided to combine my statement of position with arguments against. I did this because I would make my arguments more compelling. Again, the reason I decided against spending billions was primarily because it was the first and, for me, most logical answer that I felt I could more easily defend.
I would write the following summary notes on the test booklet:
• Governments should spend $$ on research into improvements into human health
• helps people in need!!

Conclusion
The conclusion simply restated my premise. I saw that the most important point in my argument was the value of human life over the value of space rockets/machines. My conclusion is brief but restates my key idea.
I would write the following summary notes on the test booklet:
• value of human life!!
• governments should spend $$ on helping human lives, not machines.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that scientists experimenting with animals in a laboratory is the only way we can guarantee new products will be safe for human use.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.

Arguments Against

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